Today’s sermon was about Jeremiah 29 and how most of our faith is making the mundane holy. Showing up for the smallest things so others can feel loved and whole.
And the pastor compared our church building to the TARDIS because it’s bigger on the inside. 
Nice. I had to Google TARDIS
My church is going through a series on the minor prophets. Today was Haggai. The pastor talked about how a lot of Haggai is extorting the Jews to rebuild God’s temple - something they had neglected since returning from exile. The theme of God’s presence was emphasized. The temple was God’s presence to the Jews and to all the nations, and multiple times God reminds the Jews through Haggai that he is with them.
This week me did Zechariah, apparently the most quoted minor prophet in the New Testament. One of the themes discussed was God promising to take action in many different ways, but not immediately, and how back then, and perhaps now, it seems as if God is not active in the world.
We had a pretty casual fellowship at DenFur instead of a service. But meeting other Christian furries is always a blessing! It was good to hear multiple perspectives on the faith and the fandom.
TRIGGER WARNING:
There was one fur who shared a story of abuse and wanted to know what Christians were doing about it. I told him that while I don’t have all the answers, they are still loved, they didn’t deserve any of what happened to them, and that I want to seek ways to address and confront the abuse that “Christians” are still committing. We had some good hugs and prayer!
On this day before Labor Day, our message mentioned a rallying cry from the early days of the labor movement: “8 hours for work, 8 hours for rest, 8 hours for what we will!”
It was connected to Micah chapter 6:6-8, where God has shown us what is required of us: do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. There are so many ways that we can do all 3 of these things, so many opportunities to engage with people. And when we do, we don’t just live. We thrive!
Our sermon was about how the Book of James tells us not to show favoritism toward people who are different from us, especially the less privileged!
One speaker in church today talked about the twin laws of Sacrifice and Consecration. The Law of Sacrifice calls us to give up whatever is preventing us from becoming more like our Heavenly Father. This could obviously include sinful behavior, but it could also include things that aren’t sinful, and maybe are even good in their own way, but are distracting us from things that are more important.
The Law of Consecration, on the other hand, calls us to take what we have and rather than giving it up, using it for the blessing of others and the building of God’s Kingdom. This could include our physical possessions or our skills and talents.
One thing that was really comforting to me was when the speaker said that God knows we can’t do everything our hearts long to do. But if we do what we are able in order to align our will more closely to His, it will be acceptable to Him.
So I attended a Wednesday night prayer service at a local Episcopal church in an area swamped with almost nothing but Southern Baptist adjacent congregations, mostly looking for a place where I can share fellowship with a community who will accept me as I am with no contingencies, so I can focus squarely on my walk with Christ. This was my first service I’ve been to in about 8 years, and needless to say, despite my desire to grow closer to God and find good fellowship, I felt incredibly out of place for a majority of the time.
Everyone there was very friendly… for all 13 of the people in attendance (I counted). I figured it would be small but I was expecting closer to around 50 people ahaha. Now I absolutely don’t have an issue with the amount of people that were there- 5 or 5,000, I’m just looking for fellowship in Christ, which was definitely there for sure and I clicked with a few of the people I spoke to, but… hm. I don’t know. There was a slight sense of “joining the club” that I’m not sure jived with me, but that’s entirely a me problem. I mentioned in my testimony thread about the sort of “spirit animal” life I feel God has shown me that I feel very comfortable living- that is, being a bit of a loner and drifter, showing up and being present as I feel compelled to, not bound to any obligations and not required to participate, but free to do so at my own discretion and spiritual calling. To basically show up in people’s lives or communities upon conviction and then disappear back into the night, going wherever the Holy Spirit may lead me to next.
They were sure to express that I am welcome to come and go as I desire, and despite being Episcopal, invited me to join their services no matter what I believe, which was very much appreciated, but I think my point of contention lies within how basically everyone there was like “this is my forever home, this is my community” which is not something I presently feel called to tie myself down to. If I need/want to disappear for 6 months before I suddenly show back up again one day, I’d like to feel safe doing so. Not to say that I don’t, but it does feel like I am the only one there who would appear so sporadically. I really do wish I could attend as a spirit- nobody can see me, nobody can hear me, but I am still present and enjoying the service nonetheless. If I feel compelled to communicate with someone I trust, I can, but otherwise am left alone to do as I please.
I don’t blame the reverend, Father Rob, for really wanting me to consider becoming Episcopalian, but I just do not feel any conviction in my heart to subscribe to a specific denomination. I truly believe God has shown me the things I’ve seen and led me to the people I’ve met for good reason, so I don’t feel like brute forcing this for the earthly desire to be included in a group of people when I have consistently been happier alone. That’s not to say I’m giving up- quite the contrary, I will almost certainly be going back next Wednesday, but I think if I don’t feel a deep spiritual connection forming, I should probably put up boundaries and make my passing visits more clear. Ironically, what I feel most in my heart’s conviction from tonight isn’t God telling me “this is your forever home”, but more like “what did you think? Is this community right for you?” which is certainly interesting to say the least.
As for the actual service itself, it was made of two parts: a 30 minute prayer and worship session, then roughly an hour and a half of LGBTQ+ informed discussion of religious topics. The first part was alright I suppose, but I only vaguely recognized one song (and didn’t know the words to any), and for the prayer and reading, there was quite a lot of unison answering and chant-like response, which is something I have never jived with and, as a rebellious anarchistic soul, is something I will never do as long as I live lol, but I was pleased to see the others felt it in their hearts to participate.
The second part was much nicer, they served pizza (but I didn’t eat any because I had just eaten prior to driving over) and we all sat around discussing theology for a few until the greater discussion started. I mostly remained silent and sat in the very back (again, wandering spirit passing through), but it was fine because I didn’t have much to say and was graciously happy to listen to all the other diverse perspectives. We did watch this one video though, and it hit hilariously close to home for me as I basically agreed with every point the guy brought up, and it directly compared to the Jesus-coded comic series I’m working on called Praxis, which was a term he used prominently in the video to illustrate his theology points as well, so I thought that was especially interesting and took the liberty to bring it up.
Outside of also having two other members visibly perk up at the mention of being a writer and artist and being influenced by Narnia, that was basically the whole night. I can’t remember anyone’s names properly beyond the reverend, but I did apologize to them in advance that my memory is clinically bad, and they seemed understanding. I’ll probably report back with how next week goes. Father Rob invited me to attend Sundays too, but I tried my best to gently express my disinterest for the time being. I very much appreciate the casual fellowship nature of tonight’s gathering as opposed to a fanciful, ritualistic type Sunday event.
P.S. I alluded to coming to the church for their stance as a safe haven for non-conforming identities, but I did not come out as a robot or anything. It didn’t feel proper and I don’t know anyone well enough. It didn’t seem wise.
Hi everyone!
I didn’t get to go to church today, but I listened to an online sermon from John McArthur. It was about the fate of the unprepared in the parable of the ten virgins in Mathew 25: 1 - 13.
[1]Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
[2]And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
[3]They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
[4]But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
[5]While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
[6]And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
[7]Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
[8]And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
[9]But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
[10]And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
[11]Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
[12]But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
[13]Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
At first, the five “wise” virgins seem quite selfish for not sharing their lamp oil with the others. After all, look at what happened to the others for not having a fueled lamp! But this being a parable was not meant to be interpreted literally. Just like in another parable a sower spread seeds over roads, rocks, brambles and good earth (Mathew 13:1-23). A sower in those times would never waste seeds like that! But the point was to illustrate how the gospel gets spread and either flourishes or perishes in people’s hearts.
The parable of the ten virgins is meant to illustrate the non-transferable nature of salvation, and the terrifying fate of completely complacent or aesthetical “Christians”. The oil in those lamps are the opportunities we take advantage of to glorify God and do his bidding; our fruits by which our salvation is proven (Mathew 7:16) We are all called to be witnesses for Christ wherever we are.
The five “foolish” virgins with their empty lamps were only hanging out with the others purely for the aesthetic. They were also excited to be a part of the big party the Groom was throwing, but did nothing to prepare for it. They asked the others for oil, but there was nothing they could do. No one can grab on to a Christian and be dragged into heaven as a result. Your best friend whom you share everything with can’t also share his salvation with you, and grant you salvation by proxy or association. It belongs to each individual to make the choice to accept Jesus into their hearts as their Savior.
So take advantage of the time you have to gather your oil and prepare for Jesus! Encourage your bothers and sisters in Christ to do the same!
At the end of it all, we’ll see each other again (or perhaps for the first time) in that grand banquet of our Bridegroom! I can’t wait to see you all there!
I love you all, and may God bless you 
Diógi
Edit: spelling
Been way too long since I even watched a service online but I just did after I came home from work. The Gospel passage was Mark 13:1-8, which is a piece of apocalyptic literature. Pulling back the veil to reveal everything.
The stones are falling down, but what’s happening in the rubble? The challenge is to remain tethered to the Good News. Giving birth to new life, new opportunities really is labor; we can be there for each other, and hold fast through the pain until it’s over!
Our sermon’s Scripture reading was from the first chapter of Revelation.
Even in apocalyptic times, John wants us to lay down our weapons and dream of survival, finding salvation, and promoting justice. You are valuable, you are beloved, and you are loved!
They pointed out that almost none of the stories about Jesus take place in a house of worship. He was out amongst the people, healing and giving grace and hope. 
I really like that angle. 
Not to mention the most famous one where He was was hardly typical.
As once every 25 years archdiocese around the world celebrate what is known as a jubilee year, here at one of the 2 cathedrals in Minneapolis/St. Paul, namely the Cathedral of St. Paul, they had a beautiful mass today in which the archbishop of our archdiocese celebrated mass along with his assistant bishop and many other bishops and priests.
In a time where our world is seeing all the more trials and tribulations, especially in the wake of this election year, our archbishop’s message of hope that he delivered today in the midst of preparing for this jubilee year couldn’t have come at a better time!
Trying a new (to me) church today! After I moved across town, I wanted to find a diverse and inclusive church. I found one just five minutes’ drive from me!
Today’s Scripture reading was John 8:3-11, the story of the woman who committed adultery and Jesus writing in the sand then telling the crowd “those of you without sin, cast the first stone.”
The pastor brought up Bishop Budde’s post-inauguration sermon. It is "Jesus 101, " as he put it, but he found it fascinating that the sermon offended Trump and his followers so badly. There is power in Jesus’s name.
COMPASSION!
The more I desire to seek God, the more God calls me to love and serve others! For some people, loving means giving up power so that we can serve. The Pharisees wanted power OVER people instead of power WITH them. God, with all Their power, chose to come to Earth, dwell in flesh, and be with us. Pharisees wanted the world to be like them and were willing to shed blood for it.
Even though they were wrong, they were still Jesus’s neighbors. He recognized that solving the problem is bigger than running away or fighting. So he wrote something (that we don’t know!) in the ground. Whatever it was, Jesus took a group of people who were armed and transformed every single one of them. It’s a miracle!
“When life gives you stones, don’t destroy. Build.”
After the service, there was a taco lunch. I got to meet some people, including the pastor, who I found out went to the same high school as I did! He graduated 5 years before me but it was crazy!
Found these stickers on the welcome table. Combined with some of the people writing their pronouns on their name tags, I think I might have found my new church home.
I wish I had a church like that ngl
So happy you found something so inclusive and devout to following Jesus!
Stopped by the cathedral to pray and find peace today and found that the priest was doing Thursday BCP communion. He had a really good sermon.
He spoke about how Christianity, at its heart, is a relationship and is personal. It’s not about being saved for our sins, or converting sinners, or bible bashing people. It’s about having a relationship with God and sharing that relationship with others so they can also have a relationship with God. He emphasised the personal part too. You can’t reach people unless you have a personal connection with both God and the person you’re trying to reach.
It all comes back to the greatest commandment. Loving God and loving each other and sharing the love. Not the condemnation, not the need for salvation. God’s love.
It really is as simple as that.
The big takeaway from my service was “God put love into you that you may share it with others.” God wants you to show that love, letting your light shine instead of hiding it under a bushel!
During this season of Lent, the sermons at the church I’ve been attending have all been about “the people you meet on the way to the Cross.”
Today’s focused on Peter, the apostle who Jesus said “Upon this rock I will build my Church.” He loved Jesus and wanted to follow Him, but we see him stumble a few times.
First, Peter had enough faith to walk on water from the boat to Jesus calling for him, but he got distracted. Looking around at his circumstances, it all fell apart, but Jesus showed mercy and pulled him out of the water. “Despite your little faith, you still came to me.”
Later, on the night Jesus was betrayed, Peter not only cut off a guard’s ear but right after that, Jesus told Peter “you’re going to betray me 3 times before sunrise.” And that’s exactly what Peter did.
But later on we find out he was one of the first people to hear of the Resurrection, and he kept on teaching and leading the Church! Some traditions list him as the first Pope, while there’s further lore about how he was crucified upside down because he didn’t feel worthy of dying in the same way as Jesus. Even today there’s the idea that when you get to Heaven, Peter is standing at the Pearly Gates since Jesus gave him the “keys to the Kingdom.”
In Peter’s life, we see how Jesus can build a church out of people who are willing to get back up and try again. When you pray, if you don’t admit you’ve failed in anything, it doesn’t look like you’re trying to succeed. Thank God for how good They are, how you’ve learned and healed from your mistakes. Your failures are still parts of your story. Moments of transformation!
After Communion, the pastor and one of the worship leaders asked for help with removing the old chairs in the sanctuary later this week and putting up plastic to prepare the floor for new chairs. Then a first-time visitor came up to the mic like “Hey, I’m a foreman. I do this for a living! I got you!”
God works in awesome ways.
Psalm 80
In the wake of brokenness, we can despair and give up, or we can pray for the return of peace and hope. Pray for the opportunity to be like Jesus.
